Green Holidays in Greece

Few countries in the world hold the status and appeal of Greece in the popular imagination, and not for nothing: centre of Classical civilization, today's Greece is littered with countless ancient monuments, temples and ruins across its ruggedly mountainous, verdant landscapes that plunge down to the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas. Its thriving, dynamic capital, Athens, has been at the centre of Western Civilization for thousands of years, and second city Thessaloniki is a unique melting pot of histories and cultures.

What still makes Greece the holiday destination par excellence for many is its collection of over 6,000 islands, scattered like precious gem-stones, each one unique - and with balmy weather, beautiful beaches and leagues and leagues of water, they are a holiday playground like no other. A day tour of the great sights of Athens, a wonderful eco-friendly villa on the quiet island of Lefkas and a traditional holiday island hopping in the Dodecanese are just some of the exciting holiday choices you have to experience the very best of Greece.

Perched on an ancient olive grove overlooking the sea, islands and mountains of the south coast of Lefkas, this wooden house with stone floors and infinity pool is a perfect spot for a self catering holiday with friends or family.

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How to travel by train, ferry and bus to Athens

Athens is one of Europe's top destinations and for more information about how best to travel there, including where to change platforms/stations, prices, timetables, journey times and how to book tickets, follow the links below:

A family-run hikers’ hostel three hours’ walk from Megalo Papigo that’s great for outdoor activites such as hiking and rock climbing on Mount Timfi. Yet non-walkers will also appreciate the extraordinary escapism and dramatic views.

On the slopes of Tymfi, this clutch of beautifully renovated stone buildings plumb in the middle of the village is a gem of a place to stay, with 10 traditionally decorated bedrooms and local produce at breakfast. Masses of activities from the door.

Escapism in style and then some. On a hillside of a traditional village, a former stables is now a design guesthouse that marries cool and charm. It's perfect for exploring the stunning surroundings and has amazing panoramic views.

Tucked on a green hillside near the stunning Vikos Gorge, Gamila Rocks is a fantastic base for all kinds of outdoor activities in the beautiful surroundings. It's also a great place to just stay and relax, with a sauna, gym and outdoor hydropool.

There’s a quiet elegance about this small hotel just off Preveza harbour, formerly the mansion of a 19th-century sea captain. It has a secluded garden and balconies with views of the marina, and they also offer free bike hire to guests.

A charming family stay overlooking the Astraka Towers in the beautiful region of Zagori. The cottages combine traditional and modern styles in harmony with the environment to create an oasis of calm, and the homemade breakfast is delicious.

In the style of a traditional hamlet, these 7 houses are built in traditional style but are stylish and modern inside. On the edge of Zagoria National Park with a fabulous view of the Astraka Towers, Artsistas Houses create a truly relaxing getaway.

This enchanting restored merchant's home must be one of the loveliest hideaways in Zagori. Every room has its own unique charm and style. Don't miss the Sterna shop, a treasure trove of interesting traditional food products and gifts.

Perched on an ancient olive grove overlooking the sea, islands and mountains of the south coast of Lefkas, this wooden house with stone floors and infinity pool is a perfect spot for a self catering holiday with friends or family.

Rooms: 1 double, 1 twin

Price:

Between £1400 to £1800 per week in high season for up to 5 people. Significantly less at other times. See website.

A fine alternative to touristy central Parga. This is a return to the Greece of old: there’s traditional décor in spotless rooms and a warm welcome from the owners, a local family. It also offers a tranquil garden with a sea view, pool and jacuzzi.

Ermis Ouzeri

An ouzeri is literally an ouzo bar. Sound good so far? Ouzo is the marmite of liquors, but if you can't get enough of the stuff then this place is heaven. The oldest bar in Mytiline is delightfully old fashioned inside, its cosy wooden walls covered in antiques and pictures, and here you'll find 15 kinds of ouzo served up with tasty tapas dishes such as octopus or spicy sausages.

Octapus

Octapus, on Molyvos harbour, is likely to tick a lot of boxes for fish lovers. Seaside location with gently bobbing fishing boats? Check. Alfresco dining, served by friendly staff? An incredible array for freshly-caught seafood and the catch of the day, beautifully cooked and matched with local wines? Check. Dinner at Octapus is a delight, and if the fruits of the sea don't float your boat there are scrumptious meat dishes and vegetables from the garden to try instead - the mousaka is a must.

The Captain's Table

Melinda and Theo run Captain's Table on Molyvos Harbour, with an international flair, and the ever-changing menu could hold anything from Greek Thai fusion to Italian pasta dishes, although Theo recommends trying his wonderful roast lamb with oregano. The charming outdoor terrace is the perfect place to sit and watch the fishermen of Molyvos bringing in their bounty in the day or have a glass of ouzo under the stars by night.

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Cruising the Aegean on a gulet, through the Dodecanese islands, perhaps the most ethereally beautiful part of the Aegean, in a sparkling topaz-blue sea, experience e a rich and intricate history stretching back millennia, and a distinctive culture.

Sail aboard a fully-equipped, skippered yacht around the Greek islands. Explore laidback islands like Small Cyclades and vibrant holiday meccas like Mykonos, as you discover ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and fresh seafood along the way.

We start in the city of Athens, before heading towards three beautiful islands, Naxos, Santorini and Paros. We see the cultural centre of ancient Greece, volcanic caldera, the famous sunsets and the whitewashed villages and architectural wonders.

During the tour, Cruising the Aegean: A Family Adventure, you can admire and discover Greek history, explore new places, meet new people, relax, swim, snorkel, taste different foods and enjoy the daily adventures and bring your family closer.

Sail through the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, from Mykonos to Santorini, stopping at smaller islands to relax on white sand beaches. Test your hand at sailing or just relax on the deck. Stroll through local villages & sample traditional food & wine.

Evia offers unique history and culture - visit Roman quarries and aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Frankish castles, deserted beaches and coves. Enjoy five day-walks on the island, from Dimosaris Gorge to the coastal village of Kalliani.

Embark on a foodie adventure from Athens through the Saronic Islands to the olive groves and rugged coastline of the Peloponnese region. Taste ouzo and olive oil, cook up a storm in a local kitchen in Poros, relax on the beaches of Kardamyli.

Starting and finishing in the buzzing city of Athens, the ride offers plenty of opportunities to discover some of Greece's treasures, from the azure blue of the sea to the green olive trees. We cycle Poros Island and the beautiful town of Nafplio.

In this this walkers' paradise we visit Roman quarries and aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Frankish castles and, in the summer months, we end the days swimming at deserted beaches and coves. Karystos town is our base for the week.

From the Slopes of Mt Olympus to the Shores of the Aegean: the archaeology, food & wine of Macedonia - a spectacular land tour of Northern Greece: explore the history and culture in a rich panorama of one of Europe’s heartlands.

The Peloponnese, the large peninsula forming the southern extremity of the Greek Mainland, is a veritable heartland of European and Western culture and also central in myth and legend. Join us to explore the historical and cultural wealth here.